Sorry, I tried to search. I have a 12-2, snubby airweight. What is a good CCW defense round? Thanks.

Sorry, I tried to search. I have a 12-2, snubby airweight. What is a good CCW defense round? Thanks.

I carry buffalo boar 158 swchp non +p or their full 150 gr full wadcutter loads in mine.

I know there has been debate on +P in an airweight, any recommendations on standard .38 loads?

Hornady makes some .38 special non +p loads in the old XTP line and a load in the new Critical defense line. Buffalo bore has a standard .38 load also but they are very expensive.

Like pete950 I use Buffalo Bore 158gr non +p lschp's in my 12-2. I also added T-grips. The gun shoots very well with this ammunition. The T-Grips give a better grip and absorb recoil.

Don't have one (BOY! Sure wish I did though!) but if I did have one, I'd go the Buffalo Bore non +P load mentioned above. I run their very +P version of it in my carry J. My Wife's J has their 150 (non +P) full wad cutter in hers. Her Model 66 is loaded with B/B's, and my 696 as well. You can believe their velocities, they even state what actual guns they were fired out of for chronograph results. Pricey to be certain. But have you priced high quality self defense ammo at a gun shop lately?

I carried Remington 158 gr LSWCHP +P in my 12-3 when I had it. There was a test on this board of a 12-2 that went 1000rds of +P and didn't seem harmed by it. Your gun, your choice.

I also carry the Remington 158gr +P LSWCHP in my 642 with CT grips, no problems as of yet. I am going to try the Speer Gold Dots 135gr +P to see the difference. Good luck.

I would put 38+P Remington 158 gr lead hollowpoints in it. The whole +p thing is highly discussed, but it is not really an issue.

Elmer Keith fired a whole case of 38-44 ammo (which is much, much hotter than 38+p) through a j-frame Chief's Special with no damage whatsoever. Granted, that was an all steel gun, but I cant see how a cylinder full of +p for self defense would hurt it. If it does hurt it, go get another one.

If you just cant bring yourself to +p, then go with Buffalo Bore standard 38 lead hollowpoints
or some good SWCs.
Stay away from the little 110gr standard loads from hornady and federal - they are terrible.

Thanks for the replys. By the way, I was just given a full box of old Rem. Kleanbore 38 spl. Police Service, 158 gr. lead bullets. Are these THE " widowmaker" rounds?

If they are round nosed, then yes, they are.

Yes they are. I'm sure there is no value to them, however, I'll keep them as a conversation piece.

The Gold Dot 135 gr JHP+P is very good. It was designed from the ground up as a short barrel, self defense round. Police agencies that still authorize revolvers (NYPD in particular) issue this round for use in both 2 and 4 inch weapons.

I carry Jim Cirrilo's old load in mine, 158+P LWSC SafeStop. I was fortunate enough to come across 300 rounds of it over a period of time and it is fantastic out of a snubby "J" frame. Wish they woud start making it again.